Discover New Jersey State Parks and Forests

Do you know about New Jersey’s State Parks?

Spend the day at beautiful Hopatcong State Park!

We’re all familiar with the local town and county parks, many of which are reviewed here on Jersey Family Fun. New Jersey State Parks are run by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection and park lands were purchased/donated/acquired for providing outdoor recreational opportunities for the public. They might have historic buildings within their confines, or have lakes or streams, but most do not have playgrounds so be ready for some walking and exploring.

Other than wonderful protected open space, some parks allow camping and have geocaching.

How about a nature walk, lighthouse climb, crafts or yoga at a state park?

State parks offer lots of special events. Many are at an additional fee, but most are still a bargain! Find them here, listed by a few months at a time.

New Jersey State Parks admission fees

State parks generally charge a parking fee, usually $5 or $10 per car depending on the day. It is also higher for out of state residents, so be sure to have your ID with you. Click here for the list of specific fees.

If you frequent state parks, you may benefit from a state park pass, at a fee of $50 for the year. This pass is free to senior citizens so be sure to sign up grandparents!

Exploring the streams at Allaire

List of New Jersey State Parks

Allaire State Park – Wall, Monmouth County (read our post about Allaire Village inside the park)

Monmouth Battlefield State Park – Manalapan and Freehold, Monmouth County

Parvin State Park – Pittsgrove Township, Salem County

Pigeon Swamp State Park – South Brunswick, Middlesex County

Princeton Battlefield State Park – Princeton, Mercer County

Rancocas State Park – Hainesport, Burlington County

Ringwood State Park – Ringwood, Passaic County

Stephens State Park – Hackettstown, Morris County

Swartswood State Park – Stillwater Township, Sussex County

Voorhees State Park – Glen Gardner, Hunterdon County

Washington Crossing State Park – Hopewell, Mercer County

Washington Rock State Park – Green Brook, Somerset County

Wawayanda State Park – Vernon and West Milford, Sussex and Passaic Counties

Voorhees State Park

List of New Jersey State Forests

The NJDEP also maintains the following state forests in New Jersey. Forest lands were purchased/acquired were for conservation of NJ’s natural resource (trees); timber production; watershed protection; soil erosion control; and demonstration areas for forestry practices. Today, many offer recreational park activities such as camping, fishing and hiking.

Melanie is a stay at home mom of a 6 year old boy and 10 year old girl. She lives in Union County and grew up in Middlesex County. Her children enjoy ice skating (she holds the shoes), crafting, amusement parks, and just generally being kids! Melanie always says, being 45 minutes from NYC or the Jersey Shore makes this the best place to live!